Author: William Wordsworth
Bright Star!—how glorious in thy mid career Our Queen doth stand, to Europe dear and dread, As at the guarded gate, with flaming spear, A Martyr’s God protecteth! from her head There spreads a halo; and the earth doth hear Her armèd voice, while from her mouth proceed Words as with gold-inwoven leaves displayed, That tell of justice and of truth severe. She rules with gentle sway the meek and proud, With voice to soothe, but with a brow to awe; She bears aloft the cup and lifts the rod, And unto her is every heart subdued; And every tongue, obedient to her law, Is prompt to utter and obey her word.
Type of Poem: Sonnet
Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Elizabeth I, Queen, Justice
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on Queen Elizabeth I. The poem portrays her as a glorious and powerful figure, beloved and respected across Europe, ruling with a balance of justice, truth, and compassion. The poem highlights her influence and the reverence she commands.
The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.
Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:
The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.